Please note that articles submitted for inclusion in Reveille publications are subject to editing.

There never seems to be enough time. Homework, music rehearsal, sports practice-every minute and hour is filled. This Sunday, March 11, as we continue our Lenten series "The me I want to be," the youth group will talk about time and how we use this gift to serve God.

Our schedule is normal:

4:30 p.m. - Middle school youth group/high school choir

5:30 p.m. - Dinner for middle school

6:00 p.m. - High school youth group/middle school choir

Return to Top 

A Recollection of Carol Uzzle's Ministry

In 1999 Carol Uzzle returned to Reveille to serve as the Minister for Discipleship with responsibilities for teaching and learning ministries, age-level ministries and a vast

variety of other assignments. Reveille is the community of faith that nurtured Carol as a child and youth and where as a third grader she was confirmed.

She is now in her 13th year of ministry among us and, in her words, has "decided that the time has come to retire." Her final Sunday will be September 30 as we celebrate Christian Education Sunday.

Carol has been in ministry for 43 years in the United Methodist Church serving Keith Memorial in Athens, TN, and Highland in Raleigh, NC as Director of Christian Education. She returned to the Virginia Annual Conference in 1976 to serve Stratford Hills in Richmond followed by Mt. Pisgah in Midlothian and Wesley in Colonial Heights before returning home to Reveille.

She has been consecrated many times during these years of ministry, first as a certified director of Christian education, as a lay worker and then as a diaconal minister. At Annual Conference in June of 1999, Carol was ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church. United Methodist deacons are ordained to Word and Service. Deacons serve as a bridge connecting the needs of the world with the church.

Carol has the heart of a deacon with a strong desire that we each grow in our faith throughout our life. Faith is not something that we keep within the walls of the church or within ourselves or families, but we are each called to serve the world to which Christ calls us. Just as New Testament deacons were called to lives of service, Carol's time with us has reflected that call from helping us to become engaged in the world of the church through Swansboro and Friends of the Homeless, to building a strong base of awareness for the needs of the world, often lifted up in the prayers of the people.

Carol has grown in the role of deacon in this time among us as she has assisted the elders in the administration of the sacraments. Deacons are called to a servant ministry, and at this time in the life of the church may not consecrate the elements though they can officiate at funerals and weddings.

We see Carol's touch in connecting our congregation with the world. Our children have grown up in a church that loves and values the youngest child as much as the oldest member. Sixth graders enter middle school with a desire to continue serving the world in the name of Jesus. Friday Fellowship, a once-a-month recreation night for older elementary children, evolved into Reveille Kids Called to Care providing opportunities for children to reach out to others through acts of compassion and caring. These were the children who brought to our attention the needs of Afghan refugees through the UMCOR blanket drive, and the Nothing but Nets campaign to wipe out malaria in Africa. They introduced us to the needs of the homeless in Richmond by serving their first meal at Richmond Friends of the Homeless during Day Camp eleven years ago. Through Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Day Camp and Reveille Kids Called to Care, our children have learned that living out John Wesley's motto for life "Do all the good you can..." is how God calls us to relate to all of God's children.

Carol's current title is Minister for Teaching and Learning, and her focus is on our discipleship ministries with adults and children and age-level ministries. Through Reveille's vision statement we are committed to help one another grow in our faith and commitment as disciples of Jesus. In 2009, Carol worked with others to create Milestones for a Growing Faith: Christian Education Milestones for Children at Reveille United Methodist Church and a parent resource packet, which were distributed in the fall of that year. The milestones apply to children from birth through fifth grade. At each age level there are age-appropriate Bible stories and scriptures coupled with prayers, songs and hymns of faith, along with opportunities for children to be involved - to live out their faith in outreach ministries. Carol is fast to tell you these are not SOL's (Standards of Learning). Faith is shared, and we learn as we see the faith modeled in our families, by Sunday school teachers and by the entire congregation. Each of us promises to help raise the children of the church in the Christian faith each time a child is baptized. The Milestones help the entire congregation live into that promise. The milestones undergird our Sunday school teachers in their ministry as they share the faith with our children.

A renewed emphasis has been placed on how adults grow in the faith. Loving, Knowing and Serving God have become the key words for our Teaching and Learning ministries. Adult Milestones for growth in the faith are delineated under these three areas. Working with the Teaching and Learning Ministry team, Carol has provided leadership for the Alpha classes, Journey 101 classes and the formation of small groups. She has worked with leaders, recruited participants, and communicated the church's hope that we experience God's love as we grow as disciples. Throughout her time with us, Carol has planned for Disciple classes and Bible studies and served as a resource for small groups, Sunday school classes, United Methodist Women (UMW) circles and Bible studies as well as leading studies.

Carol has sought to involve a cross section of the congregation in study and in ministry. If she knows your name, and there are few among us whom she does not know, she has probably asked you to serve as a teacher or to care for children in Extended Session, or she has discovered your special gift or skill or has found a way that you can share with others. She has always sought to connect our ministries with the needs of the congregation. New Sunday school classes and UMW circles have started under her guidance. She has been quick to provide the names of those to ask to participate in new classes or groups as well as those who might share their gifts for our many nurture and age-level ministries, from Easter egg hunts and the family Christmas Eve Service to Vacation Bible School.

Sameness has never been a part of Carol's ministry. She is quick to recall our stories and to help us remember the funny and serious moments over the past years. She has taken delight in getting to know the children of the congregation and to know each of us by name, no matter our age. This has been a strength and a gift she has given to each of us.

We have journeyed with Carol, providing the support that only a community of faith can as she cared for her mother, Audrey Tignor, in Audrey's final months. She shared in worship that the congregation had been a lifeline ministering to her family during those precious days.

If you ask Carol she will say that long ago she responded to God's call on her life and has never regretted that decision. She has experienced the joys and sorrows that come from traveling with others on their faith journeys. She does not know what the future will hold, but she is confident that there will be new avenues of ministry to explore in retirement.

Return to Top 

Lenten Study and Wonderful Wednesday Dinner

March 14

Led by Drs. Jim and Jake Noland, our Lenten study, Final Words From the Cross, continues this Wednesday, March 14, at 6:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Before the study, join us at 6:00 p.m. for our fellowship meal. The menu is meatloaf with mashed potatoes, garden salad, green peas, rolls, cookies and brownies. The cost is $7 for adults and teens, $3 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for anyone under 4. Make your dinner reservation here, by marking the Wonderful Wednesday box on the friendship pad this Sunday,or calling the church office (359-6041) by 3:00 p.m. on Monday.

Return to Top 

Building Update

Rooms Come Alive

Although it seems as though there is not much to report on the progress of the new building since the exterior is mostly complete, much interior work continues to evolve. The interior framework is complete and the drywall is being installed. Painting is also in progress and installation of the dropped ceiling will begin soon. No problems have been encountered, and the new building hopefully will be ready sometime in April. The initial hope was a grand opening on Easter Sunday, but the new space and chapel will not be available for occupancy in time for our Easter services. Hopefully, we will celebrate our opening not too long afterward. It is the hope of the Building Committee to have the grading in the front on Cary Street completed so that we might be able to have the front doors to the sanctuary open on Easter Sunday to receive members and guests. However, all the paving may not be completed in the front at that time. As with any building project, the timetable is dependent on the continued good weather and the approval of the city inspectors.

We continually need to be thankful for the tireless work of the Building Committee as they continue oversight of this important project. There have been a total of 24 change orders which have actually reduced our construction costs and allowed us to keep within our budget. Also to date, there have been no situations arise to cause a delay in the construction, and Taylor & Parrish, the construction firm, has been as conscientious as promised.

The Church Council is excited about this new addition to Reveille - a beautiful, inspiring chapel, a large dedicated youth space, a large choir room and a welcome area unlike anything Reveille has ever had. The welcome area will be centrally located on a direct path to the chapel and the sanctuary where we may all enjoy a coffee fellowship. It will be an area where we will be able to more effectively share news of events happening in the church and opportunities for outreach with the hope of breathing a renewed vitality into Reveille through engagement and service. Although the building is almost finished, the Church Council realizes that we as a church are once again at a beginning - a beginning in which the Holy Spirit will work among us in ways never before possible.

Claire Kaugars

Return to Top 

Tuesday, March 20

11:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Active seniors: Please bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share at our covered dish luncheon on the 20th. The main dish and drinks will be provided.

For our program, Virginia Sullivan, a teapot enthusiast with more than 600 teapots that have been featured in local and national media, will join us and share some interesting insights on tea and teapots.

Return to Top 

Will You Help Feed the Homeless?

Will you be a part of our outreach effort this month? We need potato casseroles, homemade desserts, and servers to help with hot meal for Friends of the Homeless on Thursday, March 22. Please see the bulletin boards in the welcome center and in the fellowship hall for sign-up sheets and casserole recipes. Casseroles can be dropped off before Thursday. For more information, please contact Joanna Tilley here or at 556-5935. For child care, please contact Carol Uzzle here or 359-6041, ext. 117.

Return to Top 

Sweethearts Support Youth Missions

Live music, gourmet food and great company-who could ask for a better date night? The youth's first Date Night fundraiser was a major success. As couples and singles arrived, the roar from the fellowship hall drew attention from those in the kitchen as they mixed and mingled. The dinner of hasenpfeffer or marinated beef tenderloin received rave reviews, and the live band inspired some couples to dance, and the rest to sit, chat and enjoy the music.

Thanks to all the participants' generous support the youth have raised $1,427 towards the summer mission trips.

Please mark your calendars for their next fundraiser, a silent auction on April 18 during Wonderful Wednesday dinner. Items will be available for bids for the week before. If you would like to donate an item, please contact Kay Craven.

Return to Top 

Worship and Study Opportunities for  

Lent and Easter at Reveille

Return to Top 

In Honor of Johann Sebastian Bach

Regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time, Johann Sebastian Bach was born March 21, 1685 to a family of musicians stretching back several generations. Bach spent most of his life working as an organist/choirmaster. His early life was spent in Weimar, Germany, where he wrote many church cantatas and one of his best-known organ works, "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor." You are invited to remain for the postlude on March 18 to hear this thrilling example of Bach's finest organ work and celebrate his 327th birthday!

Return to Top 

Issues and Deadlines for The Reveille Window

Return to Top 

Calendar of Opportunities

NOTE: This calendar reflects our schedule as of newsletter publication time. For the most current scheduling, please check the website calendar here.

Return to Top 

Staff

James R. Noland, Senior Pastor

Abigail W. Kocher, Associate Pastor

Stephen A. Coleman, Associate Pastor

Carol T. Uzzle, Minister for Teaching and Learning

Cathleen V. Armistead, Director of Music Ministries

Dwayne H. Stinson, Director of Youth Ministries

Kaarina Jobe, Worship and Music Leader for The Point

Anne W. Stratton, Administrative Manager

Cheryl L. Arrington, Pastoral and Congregational Care Secretary

William F. Wright, Facilities Manager

Glynis M. Holcomb, Financial Manager

Thomas A. Goodall, Custodian

Tyrell A. Jefferson, Custodian

Elaine B. Kastelberg, Director of Weekday School

Beverley F. Tilley, Weekday School Administrative Assistant

Return to Top